In this column, I will share my thoughts and insights on the results of the recent social experiment on basic income conducted by “OpenResearch” and discuss its potential impact on our project. As the General Director of Sōsha, I am dedicated to creating systems that address modern challenges while embracing diverse cultures and values. This social experiment explores a crucial theme—how cash payments influence people’s behavior and decision-making. After reading the report, I found several aspects deeply resonated with me.
For example, the finding that recipients improved their budgeting skills and future planning aligns with aspects of our own project. It is particularly noteworthy that beneficiaries adjusted their actions to pursue personal goals and showed greater interest in education and vocational training. This strongly reflects my vision of building a society where people and technology coexist, leveraging AI and systems to enhance human potential.
Additionally, the increase in employment rates during the program and the tendency of recipients to choose more meaningful work caught my attention. This aligns with Sōsha’s ongoing efforts to establish a “new self-sustaining community model.” Creating a framework that uncovers and harnesses a region’s unique values to promote economic stability requires flexible, human-centered decision-making.
Moreover, I was deeply moved by the shift in spending patterns and the increase in financial support provided to others. The fact that cash payments not only stabilized individual lives but also fostered mutual aid within communities aligns with the ideals we pursue in our project. A simple mechanism like basic income has the potential to strengthen human connections and spark the creation of new value. This possibility excites me.
While our project shares a similar direction, we aim to go a step further by utilizing AI technology to unlock the full potential of both individuals and communities. By integrating insights from the basic income experiment, we seek to evolve our project and create a society where more people can freely choose their way of life.
Finally, let’s revisit what this social experiment has demonstrated. A simple resource—money—can expand human choices and enrich communities. Reflecting on this, I feel a profound sense of purpose in the work we are doing. Moving forward, I am committed to pioneering the future of regional communities with the theme of “harmonizing technology and humanity” at the core.